The Swimming Gap

So we have an academic achievement gap among African Americans and whites. Then we have various other gaps, such as health disparities, housing, college completion, etc., etc., etc. Now comes news that we have a swimming gap. Damn.

Not long ago, I read a study that stated nearly 60% of black children ages 6-16 can't swim. Various reasons I've seen cited are historical and cultural factors, such as the lack of swimming pools in urban communities and lower income families not being able to afford swimming lessons. In addition, studies show that Black children drown at a rate almost three times the overall rate.

I didn't post these findings earlier because I simply don't want to highlight problems without highlighting solutions.

In Madison, Wisconsin, community members are doing something about it.

A local philanthropist has donated funds to provide free swimming lessons for 426 low-income youth at Goodman pool, which is located in an urban community. This effort along with others is highlighted in an article by Pat Schneider for Madison.com. Snippets from the article:

"The USA Swimming survey also found that African-American and Latino children were six times more likely than white children to be from a family in which neither parent nor child can swim, and that only 13 percent of kids from non-swimming households learn how to swim."

A local community activist who worked to get the city's first pool in Madison's south side states, "Swimming is just like golf or tennis. If your family is not golfers or tennis players, you're not a golfer or tennis player." The article also highlights that the recreation department features posters in city schools of black swimmers.

I'm trying to cut down on linking to news articles because some news outlets don't keep their links up for long (ahem Baltimore Sun), but visit here to read the full article and the comments, which I thought were interesting.

Another effort is being made by USA Swimming, an organization that is partnering with non-profits, such as YMCAs and local governments, to expand swimming instruction targeted towards inner-city youth. Their Make A Splash program has black freestyle swimming star Cullen Jones participating in this initiative. For more information and to bring the campaign to your community, visit here.

Source : Madison.com
Photo: Mike DeVries/madison.com